At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a pioneering space software company.
- Company: Bright Ascension, a rapidly growing tech firm in the space industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a strong leadership team driving innovation and expansion.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team shaping the future of space technology.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with experience in high-growth tech environments.
The predicted salary is between 99000 - 121000 £ per year.
Headquartered in Edinburgh, with a growing international footprint, the company provides an integrated suite of flight and ground software that supports spacecraft throughout the mission lifecycle.
Its mission-critical flight software, mission control systems and integrated software platforms simplify the design, deployment and operation of spacecraft.
BAL’s proprietary technology is used by organisations ranging from early-stage New Space ventures to established global space operators, helping to significantly reduce the cost, complexity and risk associated with delivering missions in orbit.
Operating at the heart of one of the world’s fastest-growing and most strategically important industries, Bright Ascension has built a strong reputation for engineering excellence and product innovation.
The business has successfully transitioned from a specialist consultancy into a product-led software organisation, with its HELIX platform now the core offering in an increasing number of commercial and institutional space missions worldwide.
To date, more than 60 satellites have been launched using Bright Ascension’s software – an important marker of both the maturity of its technology and the confidence placed in its technology by customers across the global space ecosystem.
Building on recent investment to accelerate product development and commercial expansion, Bright Ascension is now entering a significant new phase of growth.
With a strengthened leadership team in place, rising international demand for scalable space software solutions, and a clear ambition to further commercialise its product suite, the business is focused on building the operational capability and financial infrastructure required to support its next stage of scale.
Against this backdrop, the appointment of a commercially minded Chief Financial Officer represents a pivotal addition to the executive leadership team – bringing the financial leadership, strategic insight and organisational capability required to help shape and enable the next chapter of Bright Ascension’s growth.
About the role
The Chief Financial Officer will play a central role in supporting Bright Ascension through the next stage of its development, providing the financial leadership, commercial insight and strategic perspective required to underpin the company’s long-term ambitions.
As a member of the senior leadership team, the successful candidate will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board and shareholders to ensure the business is equipped with the financial disciplines, governance and decision-making frameworks necessary to support sustainable growth.
The role encompasses full responsibility for the company’s financial stewardship, reporting and compliance, whilst also acting as a key commercial partner across the organisation.
Through the development of robust financial planning, forecasting, performance reporting and business analytics, the CFO will provide the insight required to inform strategic decisions, support future investment and enhance operational performance.
Alongside this, they will continue to develop the finance function, strengthening systems, processes and capability to ensure it is well positioned to support an ambitious, scaling technology business.
Key responsibilities
- Strategic Planning & Growth: Guiding the company’s long-term business planning, shaping commercial strategies, and managing future investment rounds to support international market expansion.
- Shareholder Reporting & Investor
Relations: Maintaining absolute transparency with shareholders through rigorous financial reporting.
This includes delivering clear updates on business performance, capital efficiency, and strategic growth milestones to sustain investor confidence and support future funding.
- Financial forecasting & Modelling: Building and maintaining advanced financial models to analyse project profitability, manage commercial forecasts, and project cash flows.
- Analytical & Commercialization: Providing high-level financial oversight and critical analytics for downstream data “recipe” creation.
This includes optimizing data-pipeline costing models, pricing the platform value of automated processing routines, and evaluating the margin profile of end-user data products.
- Operational Control & Performance: Overseeing day-to-day financial operations, including management accounts, balance sheets, purchase ledgers, and cash flow tracking.
- Cross-Functional
Collaboration: Partnering with program management to track work-in-progress, monitor operational efficiencies, and align product development (like the HELIX and Infinity suite) with financial goals.
- Governance & Reporting: Preparing timely monthly and quarterly board reports, delivering clear management information, and ensuring full statutory and tax compliance (such as HMRC submissions).
- Candidate requirements
- Qualified finance professional (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Significant post-qualified experience within high-growth software, technology or scale-up environments.
- Strong technical accounting expertise, with experience of leading financial reporting, month-end close, statutory compliance and external audit.
- Proven capability in financial planning, forecasting, cash flow management and commercial financial modelling.
- Gravitas and credibility to engage confidently with Boards, shareholders and investors, with experience of fundraising and investment activity considered advantageous but not essential.
- Commercially minded, with an understanding of software licensing, revenue models and the financial drivers of a product-led business.
- A strategic and collaborative leader, capable of influencing at executive level whilst building strong relationships across the wider organisation.
- Demonstrable experience of developing finance functions, strengthening financial controls and supporting business growth.
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Chief Financial Officer - Bright Ascension employer: FWB
The R&A is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the heart of the golf industry. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the organisation provides comprehensive benefits including a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and unique perks such as free tickets to prestigious championships. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and strategic thinking, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in a high-profile setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer - Bright Ascension
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer - Bright Ascension
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to FWB.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on FWB's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at FWB
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with FWB.
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✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former FWB employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
